Expert: John Brengman - 7/9/2003

Question
Hi frank,

I need to give a presentation soon and I want to contrast two different theories in history: the one concerning the cyclic or history repeating itself sort of theory, and also the theory, where history is made to be a chaotic and random set of unrelated events that just occur because they do. I am asking whether you know the names of these theories. I have tried searching the Internet and looking in books, but they don't give "proper" names to these theories - just describing them.

Also, do you know any contemporary historic events where they may highlight the two theories, when compared to another event? I am already considering the French and American involvement in Indochina (Vietnam) and highlighting the similarities of both conflicts.

Thanks for your help,

Simon Liu

Answer
^.^

I have never heard of a proper name for either historic idea...I don't call them theories because they are not scientifically proposed. I believe however, that both can be considered extremes. History never repeats itself exactly...even genocide, which has happened at least twice since WWII, does not share the exact same aspects. (I'm thinking Cambodia under the Khmer Rouge and the situation that developed in Ruwanda.)

On the other extreme, history is never a result of a series of chaotic events. Rather, history is a chain of events that happen for some reason or another. Even things we consider irrational, like the examples of genocide, happened for some reason or another.

Even your example of Indochina is an example of one event being the cause of the next. You might be able to say that history repeats itself in that the Vietnamese defeated two western powers in a row, but it's a shallow link. If you look deeper, not all aspects match up.

Perhaps my argument can assist you in your presentation, it's up to you. Good luck with it. :)

John B.